Objective and intentional errors on modern geographical maps of Serbia and surroundings

• Main Author: Vemić Mirčeta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijić" SASA 2009-01-01
• Series: Zbornik Radova: Geografski institut "Jovan Cvijić"
• Subjects: map; error; grave error; accidental error; systematic error; intentional error
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-7599/2009/0350-75990959127V.pdf

The paper analyses the occurrence and the major causes of objective, as well as intentional errors that can be perceived in maps of Serbia and its surroundings over a period of more than one hundred years, when this branch of cartography has manifested visible growth and results. In this respect, the scope and the character of objective, unintentional errors, mostly due to a lack of proper technique and technology for gathering data, gradually decreased over time. These errors were the object of constant professional scrutiny and scientific research, and were not often repeated as a result. On the other hand, intentional errors, which were registered as being of mass proportions at the beginning of the above-mentioned period, mainly occurred as a result of a speculative approach to map making. Such errors, however, did not decrease, but constantly multiplied in terms of their scope and type. Parallel with the above-mentioned errors, in many maps one can perceive intentional errors committed with a view to clouding or distorting the real picture of the mapped phenomena, for the purpose of propaganda, manipulation and various misrepresentations in connection with the turbulent geopolitical events in Serbia and its surroundings over the past thirty years. These errors have rarely been discussed and written about within the scientific community, even though there have been frequent reactions in the press and in other media. This paper lays special emphasis on such intentional errors, which cause a lot of damage to the modern cartography of Serbia, in scientific, social, educational and cultural terms, as well as practical and economic terms, and in terms of use.